December

The ground may be frozen, but there’s still a few jobs to do in the garden. Digging, clearing up after storms and caring for garden birds is just the respite needed to deal with the over-indulgence of festive food!

General Maintenance

Clear fences, trees and bushes after winter storms and repair any fencing which has blown down. Prevent slips, trips and falls by keeping paths and driveways clear from leaves and snow. Insulate outside taps to prevent leaks. Do some winter digging in beds, borders and plots if the ground is frost-free. Any large clumps of soil left will break down further when frosts arrive.

Bird Care

Switch to an energy rich bird food designed for the colder winter months. Suet products including energy balls, suet nuggets and suet cakes are also perfect as they contain lots of fat and calories, ideal for small birds who can lost 10% of their body weight overnight during frost/snow.

Indoor Gardening

Bring some festive joy into your home by buying an Amaryllis or Poinsettia plant. If you’re opting for a real tree this year, store it in a sheltered spot in the garden in a bucket of water if you want to wait before bringing it inside.